After discovering the world of part-work model kits with the Delorean build I stumbled upon another kit that caught my eye. This one is a 1/2 R2D2 that (when finished) will move around, beep, blast projections on walls, and hopefully be a faithful reproduction of everyone's favorite astromech.

Here is the dome skeleton about half way done. Note how it's composed of several plastic ribs that bolt together to form the dome shape.

Lots of mini nuts and bolts hold the parts to metal rings that provide rigidity.

A better view of the metal support rings. You can also see the small ball-bearing in the center of the head that will allow Artoo to spins his nogging around.

There are many cut-outs in the ribs and a Star Wars fan can probably figure out what each one is for. I have also received some of the lights that will eventually fit into some of these cut-outs (haven't had a chance to photograph them yet.)

Starting to take shape. Looking forward to the aluminum piece that will cover this all!

The legs are also made up of several individually molded parts. The metal skeleton for the leg is cleverly built of 4 parts that all bolt together like an erector set. Should be plenty durable when complete.

The legs look way to clean but I'm planning on adding some weathering. I've actually done a dark wash on these parts since photographing them and even that has helped the parts look a bit more realistic.

A ways to go before this is actually attached to the outter leg skins but here's what it will sort-of look like. I suspect there will soon be a motor attached to the bottom area there.
A fun kit so far that should be pretty fun once completed. I hope to chase cats around with it since what else is a mini droid good for?